The Commerce Department claimed that the 26 targets, who were primarily located in China, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, had engaged in “weapons programs of concern,” breached export controls, or circumvented US sanctions and export controls on Iran and Russia.
Their inclusion on the so-called “entity list” prevents them from obtaining US goods and technology without permission from the government.
In a statement, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez said, “We are vigilant in defending US national security from bad actors.”
Sandvine, an internet surveillance company, was taken off the US trade blacklist.
He went on to say, “Our actions today send a message to malicious actors that they will pay a price if they violate our controls.”
For acting, nine Pakistani companies were added.